Oklahoma Drops Dual To Arizona State 21 21

NORMAN, Okla. - The fourth-ranked University of Oklahoma wrestling team lost to No. 7 Arizona State, 21-21, in Tempe, Ariz., at the Wells Fargo Arena in front of a crowd of 633 Wednesday night. The Sun Devils received the win due to totaling more victories in the dual. Oklahoma's record now moves to 4-3 . The Sooners carried a 12 point lead heading into the final three matches and racked up three pins, but were unable to hold on for the win. "This was a very disappointing loss," said head coach Jack Spates. "Our backs were against the wall when we had three starters out. We just need to fight harder. We saw great performances from Bo Maynes, Josh Lambrecht and Robbie Waller," stated Spates. "Teyon Ware and Joel Tapler were heroic even in defeat. We had the opportunity to win, but didn't do it. We need to keep battling harder and remember that tomorrow is a new day." The Sooners received falls at 125, 174 and 184 pounds. Senior Bo Maynes, ranked 10th at 125 pounds, had a 9-1 lead in the second period of action before pinning ASU's Jeremy Mendoza. OU's third-ranked Robbie Waller recorded two three-point near falls before pinning Patrick Williams at the 3:34 minute mark at 174 pounds. Second-ranked 184 pound wrestler Josh Lambrecht pinned ASU's Ron Renzi at 6:21 after accumulating a 13-0 lead in the third period. Oklahoma also received a decision victory from third-ranked Witt Durden at 133 pounds, when he overcame 13th-ranked Mike Simpson by a score of 9-4. Oklahoma won four of the matches, three by fall, but received a disqualification at 149 pounds. Senior Nate Parker was disqualified in the first period of action for headbutting top-ranked Eric Larkin of ASU. Oklahoma also witnessed the fall of previously undefeated No. 12 Teyon Ware to Arizona State's fifth ranked Dana Holland by a 6-4 decision at 141 pounds. After a scoreless first period, Oklahoma's Rafael Maturino was decisioned at 157 pounds by 13th-ranked Rocky Smart, 5-3. ASU's ninth-ranked Nick Frost had two takedowns on Oklahoma's Wes Roberts to take the 165 pound contest by a 6-4 decision. Oklahoma lost the 197 pound battle by an 11-7 count despite Sooner Tom Grossman's last second takedown of Ryan Bader. Heavyweight competitor Joel Tapler was defeated by Arizona State's fifth-ranked Kellan Fluckiger by a 9-2 decision. Oklahoma wrestling will compete in two duals on Saturday, Jan. 11, in California when they take on Fresno State at noon in Fresno and Cal Poly at 7 p.m in San Luis Obispo.